Self-education: What can you claim?

HomeInsights

Self-education: What can you claim? 


The Australian Taxation Office have released a new draft ruling on self-education expenses. We revisit the deductibility of self-education expenses and what you can and can’t claim. 


If you undertake study that is connected to your work you can normally claim your costs of that study as a tax deduction - assuming your employer has not already picked up your expenses. There is also no limit to the value of the deduction you can claim. While this all sounds great and very encouraging there are still issues to consider before claiming your Harvard graduate degree, accommodation, and flights as a self-education expense.


Clients are often surprised by what cannot be claimed. Self-education expenses are not deductible if you are undertaking the education to obtain a new job or something not connected to how you earn your income now. Take the example of a nurse’s aide who attendees university to qualify as a registered nurse.


The university degree and the expenses associated with degree are not deductible as the nursing degree is not sufficiently connected to their current role as a nurse’s aide.



Get started.

Since everyone's needs are different, we'll build a package and quote for the level of protection best suited to you.


CONTACT US CONTACT US



How to get on the property ladder sooner

Even if you can’t quite afford your dream home right now, there are still other options to get onto the property ladder a lot sooner than most people think.


Tradies go digital: how outsourcing can improve your productivity

With the trade industry currently thriving off the boom in the housing market, tradies find themselves busier than ever. The $1200 Small Business Digital Adaptation Program can help you work out ways to make admin life easier.


Investing in Property

If you're looking into investing into property, regardless if it's residential or commercial, there's plenty to weigh up.


Did your super fund receive a compensation payment?

Is a financial services compensation payment to your superannuation fund considered as a contribution?


Divorce, Superannuation and the Gender Divide

New legislation will help prevent superannuation assets from being hidden during divorce proceedings. From 1 April 2022, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will be able to release details of an individual’s superannuation information to a family law court.


What Now? Unwinding the Pandemic

Australia’s two largest states and the ACT are in lockdown as the Delta strain of COVID-19 takes its toll while others are standing firm on a policy of eradication. The result is a country at a policy impasse and divided by border restrictions.


SMART Life - Issue 6 - Spring 2021

In this issue we cover Australia's aging populations and what that means for your retirement planning


Investing In Property / The Cashflow and Structure Considerations for Property Investment & Development

ONLINE Webinar Session
7 September // 1:00PM


Investment Property Red Flags

While the suburb and area are important factors in property selection, many investors fail to identify some of the red flags that might weigh on a property’s potential for growth.


July Market Wrap

Australian shares started the FY22 year with solid gains. Bond yields fell sharply, resulting in favourable returns from fixed income markets too.


Commercial Tenancies Rent Relief

On 24 August 2021 the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2021 were updated offering a wider eligibility catchment.
In simple terms, if you have been previously ineligible for rent relief, you may now be in a position to receive financial reprieve.


Planning For Your Retirement

To have the retirement of your dreams, you must plan ahead. The bonus is, the sooner you start thinking about your retirement life, the better opportunity you have of making those dreams a reality.


Planning For Your Retirement

ONLINE Webinar Session
18 Aug // 1:00PM


What lockdown support is available?

If you can’t work because you or someone in your household is impacted by COVID-19, support is available. There are three types of payments accessible to individuals who have lost work because of the pandemic.


How to apply for the Small Business COVID-19 Hardship Fund

UPDATED 6 Sept 2021: The Small Business COVID-19 Hardship Fund program offers grants of $20,000 to eligible small and medium businesses, including employing and non-employing businesses. This program will allow more businesses who have previously not received support, to receive financial relief now.


HOW TO record receipt of the State Government Business Grant


Growing Your Business With Confidence Post-COVID

Helping you lead & manage your business better. A webinar in collaboration with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council as part of their Small Business Workshops.


Raising Money-Confident Kids

Set your kids up for financial success by teaching them about money and taking care of your own financial wellbeing.


SMSF – Corporate Vs Individual Trustees


5 things to spend your tax refund on (and it's not a big screen TV)

 Your tax refund can seem like winning the lottery. But it's not - it is your own hard-earned cash. So how can you make it work as hard for you as you did earning it? 


Just how protected are you?

"I'm totally covered.......through my super fund."  If this is you, you might want to think again.


Using Your Super To Buy Property


Using Your Super To Buy Property


Using Your Super To Buy Property

ONLINE Webinar Session
27 July // 1:00PM


Property Investment: The Myths and the Best Choices

While everyone loves talking about property in Australia, the reality is that few people are experts. Here are some of the most common property investment myths plus some good ideas to consider.


Top 25 Mental Health Tips During Lockdown

Taking care of your mental health during lockdown periods becomes really essential. Shared by Simon Fraser University Health & Counselling Services: 25 tips to help you and your loved ones navigate this time.


Top Tax Tips For Property Investors

Now that the new financial year is here, it’s time to start looking at all the ways you can make the most of your investment property. If you want to claim your expenses on your rental property, it’s vital that you have good records.


Tips for Buying Property Pre-Auction

When property markets are hot, vendors often choose to go to auction to try and attract the very best price they can. However, many vendors are open to accepting an offer prior to the start of the auction itself.


June Market Wrap

Economic indicators have been generally positive recently, although the implementation of various lockdown restrictions nationwide are clouding the outlook.


VIC Lockdown 5.0 - What Support Is Available? Summary

The Victorian Government has announced new cash grants for businesses impacted by the lockdown declared on 15 July 2021. (Updated 6 Sept)


Are Insurance Payouts Taxed?

Most people would assume that if and when they need to claim on their insurance, the insurance payout covers the damage and is not income assessed for tax purposes - but this is not always the case.


Work From Home Expenses Under Scrutiny

If you worked from home during lockdown and spent money on work related items that were not reimbursed by your business, you might be able to claim some of these expenses as a deduction – but not everything you purchase can be claimed.


COVID Lockdown Support for NSW Individuals

If you can’t work because you or someone in your household is impacted by COVID-19, support is available.


What lockdown support is available to business in NSW

If your business has been adversely impacted by the recent lockdown in NSW, support is coming.


Increasing your property curbside appeal

With the spring selling season just around the corner and property markets looking very strong, many potential sellers are looking at ways to spruce up their homes.


SMART Life - Issue 5 - Winter 2021


May Market Wrap

Overall news flow remained supportive of risk assets including equities and credit and enabled most major share markets to make positive progress. 


How to refinance your home loan

If your current lender is not prepared to give you a better deal then it might be well worth taking the time to speak with a mortgage broker to find a lender that will. Here’s how to refinance your current home loan.


Fixed rate home loans: The Pros & Cons

In the past 12 months we have seen record numbers taking out fixed-rate home loans. Particularly during COVID-19 times, it's worth considering what might happen with interest rates in the future and whether that means you too should think about a fixed-rate home loan.


Is a mortgage rate-lock worth it?

The RBA has made it known that interest rates are likely to stay low for a while yet; however, there is increasing evidence to suggest that they will need to rise sooner rather than later.


Superannuation: What changes on 1 July 2021?

There are a few changes earmarked for superannuation commencing 1 July 2021. These changes will impact both employers and employees. Read the details here to know what's expected.


Fixed vs Variable Home Loans

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer looking to find your feet or a refinancer looking for certainty, there are clearly several factors to consider when shopping for a home loan.


Choosing the right investment property loan

Buying a residential property versus purchasing an investment property involves entirely different considerations. Here are the vital criteria to be on look-out for when selecting the right home loan for your investment property purchase.


Offset Account FAQs

A mortgage offset account is among the top home loan features available. And using one correctly can significantly impact your monthly repayments and how much you end up paying for your loan.


7 Reasons To Refinance

If you have a home loan, there are many reasons you may consider refinancing. That could include wanting to borrow more, access different home loan features or simply to get a better interest rate. We explore the more common reasons for refinancing, including a few you may not have thought of. 


Understanding the mortgage refinance process

There are several reasons motivating homeowners to refinance. It could be to achieve a lower interest rate or move from a fixed rate to a variable rate loan or vice-versa.  If you’re thinking about switching loans, you need to consider the costs of any penalties – if relevant – versus any savings you stand to make.


Factors that impact your borrowing capacity

Borrowing capacity is the amount of money a lender or mortgage broker is willing to extend to you to purchase a property. It is also a measure of your ability to make ongoing loan repayments.


SMSF Loans and Property Investment

It would seem SMSF loans have become an increasingly popular way to access the capital required to get a foothold on the property ladder.


The New Lifetime Director IDs

Directors will be required to register for a unique identification number that they will keep for life, much like a tax file number under a rewrite of Australia’s business registers.


Your SMSF: when expenses and investments are not at arm’s-length

We often get questions from clients about what they can and cannot do in their SMSF. Often the questions relate to related party transactions – that is, interactions between the SMSF, its assets, and its members (or relatives of members).  We’ve set out some of the common questions and answers.


The Balancing Act: 2021/22 Federal Budget

The 2021-22 Federal Budget is a balancing act between a better than anticipated deficit ($106 bn), an impending election, and the need to invest in the long term.

Related News

20 Apr

The Power of Tax Planning for Small Business

Tax planning is more than just a financial necessity—it's a strategic advantage for businesses of all sizes. By proactively managing your tax strategy, you can significantly reduce your liabilities, enhance cash flow, and ensure full compliance with ever-evolving tax regulations.


READ MORE READ MORE
20 Apr

Your 2026 EOFY Game Plan

Smart and strategic tax planning for business.


READ MORE READ MORE
1 Apr

Tax Return - Items To Consider

To maximise your deductions and ensure that your tax return is complete, please review the following items and advise your Accountant if any apply to you.


READ MORE READ MORE